Ducati Monster Forum

And found some oil on them  :(

I went for a ride today and had some funky idle issues, and have had them intermittently lately.  When I came to a stop it would sputter and die on me (which was not fun at the metering light to get on the freeway) so I started just trying to keep the revs up a little at stops until I got home to check out the motorcycle a little.

I'm new to Ducati's but not to basic engine know-how, is this a sure sign that I've got some seals that are failing and I'm getting oil into the combustion chamber?  I did check Ducatisuite and it said pretty much that but I'd like some input from you guys and gals if you don't mind.  Also I just bought this bike used and have no idea when the last tune up was, I'm in the process of changing all the fluids/spark plugs.  

Here's the pics I snapped really quick:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/5752691795_6d3e1f0464_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5752692541_384596e2ab_z.jpg)

Any help is appreciated, I'm gonna keep scouring the forum for answers in the mean time.  Thanks!

What year and model of Monster?

 That is normal for my '94 900. Plug tip and insulator (which is where excessive oil in the cylinder would show up) look good.

Its a 2002 S4 (916), I'm going to change them later today and play with my carbs a little and see if that helps the sputter.

What model and heat range of plugs are those?

S4 was equipped with fuel injection, no carbs to play with.

Just made a quick assumption, obviously wrong...  [bang].  I don't have the plugs with me at the moment I'll reply with that later before I get some new ones.  Do you think my plugs look bad, and if so could that be playing a part in my sputtering idle?  Thanks Speeddog.

The plugs are the original "Champion RA 59 GC" plugs.  I don't see a heat rating on them and am having a difficult time finding some online.

The OEM Champion RA 59 GC plugs are ~$30 each.
If you find them anywhere on line for less than that, please share.

I'd run 'em as is, they look alright.

I suspect your problem lies elsewhere.

How many miles on your bike?

Its got 16,XXX on it.

I bought theese and got them shipped to norway :). The shop wanted 40$ for one  :P

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170551879721&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:MOTORS:1123 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170551879721&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:MOTORS:1123)

Great service and cheap plugs.

check the rectifier, and also the ground connection on the ECU

you never know. This is a common problem on the 1098

$8 each

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?catalog=12&partnum=1006&a=FR12-1006-2777 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?catalog=12&partnum=1006&a=FR12-1006-2777)

Finally...

a lawyer with pertinent info. ;D

http://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ (http://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ)

You just crawled to the back of the line.

Try http://www.clubplug.net/products.html (http://www.clubplug.net/products.html)

I get my $85 Ducati OEM plugs for my 749R here for $13.00

Sweet thanks guys!

40 bucks for spark plugs?! My local stealership sold me NGK's for under $10.

And for RubberDuckyS4:
You may just need a basic carb clean or simply adjust your mixture. My 2000 M750 was continuously fouling plugs and losing power, and a carb service got rid of all my problems.

Yes, its amazing how expensive some stealers are.
Cheaper to ship plugs from approx 10000 miles away  ;D. 

I'm not kidding on the $85 ones either:

http://www.desmotosport.com/online-store/2-oem-ducati-service-parts/P8-rg59v-spark-plugs.html (http://www.desmotosport.com/online-store/2-oem-ducati-service-parts/P8-rg59v-spark-plugs.html)

that had better come with a LOT of free espresso

http://www.clubplug.net/cgi-bin/search.cgi?terms=RG59V (http://www.clubplug.net/cgi-bin/search.cgi?terms=RG59V)

Yeah I laughed at my dealer when he told me their price  ;D